Acute Effects of Marathon Running on Lung Function, Lung Mechanics, and Inflammation

This study investigated the influence of the marathon on lung function, mechanics, and pulmonary inflammation. Twenty-eight male amateur marathon runners (42.1±6.2 years) were evaluated before and immediately after marathon. Pulmonary function and mechanics were assessed using spirometry and impulse oscillometry, respectively, whereas fatigue of the respiratory muscles by manovacuometry and lung inflammation by fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Marathon induced a significant reduction in the lung function as compared to baseline values: FVC (4.81±0.72 vs 4.67±0.62, p=0.0095), VC IN (4.81±0.72 vs 4.67±0.62, p=0.009), FEV1 (3.83±0.62 vs 3.72±0.59, p=0.0232), and FEV6 (4.87±0.68 vs 4.57±0.63, p=0.0006), as well as an impairment in the lung mechanics in comparison to baseline values: reduced pulmonary impedance (Z5Hz; 2.96±1.36 vs 2.67±1.11; p=0.0305), reduced resistance of the whole respiratory system (R5Hz; 2.76±1.27 vs 2.5±1.08; p=0.0388) and pulmonary reactance (X5Hz; -1.05±0.55 vs -0.91±0.36; p=0.0101) and of resistance of proximal airways (R5Hz; 1.26±0.73 vs 1.06±0.86; p= 0.0377). In addition, maximal inspiratory (MIP; 94.14±41.88 vs 72.52±25.50; p=0.0023) and expiratory (MEP; 99.31±31.84 vs 91.29±19.94; p=0.0454) pressures, as well as FeNO levels were lower after the marathon than values pre-marathon (p=0.0359). Marathon running causes an acute disturbance in lung function and mechanics and compromises respiratory muscle strength.